Around The World In 5
Around the World in 5 is an ongoing series that highlights news related to women in five countries, updated every week. This week's post covers April 1 - 7.
Nigeria
The Federal High Court in Lagos has scheduled April 9, 2024, as the date for sentencing social media celebrity Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
Justice Abimbola Awogboro set this date for judgment after Bobrisky pleaded guilty to a four-count charge related to financial misconduct brought against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The judge further directed that Bobrisky be remanded in EFCC custody until the sentencing hearing.
The United States of America
New York City has agreed to pay $17.5 million to settle a class action lawsuit regarding the forced removal of hijabs for mug shots, according to statements from lawyers and advocates on Friday.
This settlement will benefit more than 3,600 individuals involved in the lawsuit, who will each receive payments ranging from approximately $7,000 to $13,000. The change in police policy regarding religious head coverings occurred nearly four years ago, and this settlement is subject to approval by the federal judge overseeing the case.
The United Kingdom
A tragic incident occurred in Bradford city centre, resulting in the death of a 27-year-old woman who was stabbed near Westgate, close to Drewton Road. West Yorkshire Police responded to reports of the attack at 15:21 BST on Saturday. The woman was rushed to the hospital but sadly succumbed to her injuries.
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson described the incident as occurring "in broad daylight in a busy area," highlighting the seriousness of the situation. A murder investigation has been initiated, and efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrator, who fled the scene after the attack.
Although the woman has not been formally identified, her family has been notified of the tragic event. The police have urged anyone with information or dashcam footage related to the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. This is indeed a devastating occurrence, and the authorities are committed to bringing the responsible individual to justice.
Vatican City
Pope Francis has designated "the role of women" as his monthly prayer intention for April. He has encouraged the Church to unite in prayer for this cause through The Pope Video, which is shared with the global Catholic community via the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network.
In the April edition of The Pope Video, His Holiness emphasizes the importance of addressing the challenges faced by women in society today and urges Christians to join him in praying for the recognition of women's dignity and worth across all cultures, as well as an end to the discrimination they experience worldwide.
Namibia
As Namibia prepares for its upcoming presidential and National Assembly elections, the emergence of more female contenders is notable. However, analysts caution that the country's deeply entrenched patriarchal culture may pose significant challenges, particularly for independent female candidates.
One of these independent contenders is Rosa Namises, a prominent advocate for social justice and human rights, who is set to officially announce her candidacy for the presidential elections in November 2024. Namises will be joining other potential candidates including Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah from Swapo, Ally Angula running independently, and Esther Muinjangue from the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo), pending her party's confirmation during their congress.
The presence of these female candidates reflects a positive shift in Namibian politics, but overcoming patriarchal obstacles remains a key concern for their electoral prospects, particularly for those not affiliated with major political parties.